Dynamic conveyor system for custom sized packaging

ABSTRACT

A conveyor system includes a rail having one or more channels therein and one or more sleds operatively associated with the rail. A sled can include a body and one or more wheels mounted on the body and configured to move through the one or more channels in the rail. A sled can also include a holding device connected to the body. The holding device can be configured to engage a packaging container to move the packaging container along the rail. Multiple sleds can be used to secure a packaging container therebetween and move the packaging container along the rail. The conveyor system may also include a queue system that dynamically moves packaging containers to packaging stations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to and benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/041,640, filed Jun. 19, 2020, andentitled High-Speed Custom Corrugate Container Delivery System, U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/972,524, filed Feb. 10, 2020, andentitled High-Speed Custom Corrugate Container Delivery System, U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/972,527, filed Feb. 10, 2020, andentitled Dynamic Conveyor System for Custom Sized Packaging, U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/971,609, filed Feb. 7, 2020, and entitledHigh-Speed Custom Corrugate Container Delivery System, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/971,753, filed Feb. 7, 2020, and entitledDynamic Conveyor System for Custom Sized Packaging, the entire contentof each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems,methods, and devices for transporting goods and/or packaging containers(e.g., box, envelopes, etc.). More specifically, exemplary embodimentsrelate to dynamic conveyor systems, devices, and methods fortransporting goods and/or custom packaging containers.

2. The Relevant Technology

In the fulfillment industry, goods are often stored in a warehouse ordistribution center, where they are picked, packed, and shipped to meetthe content requirements of a specific order. Using conventional packingmeans, order fulfillment typically involves a human operator receivingan order, selecting (and possibly assembling) a packaging container(e.g., cardboard box, envelope, etc.), picking goods (e.g., fromwarehouse shelves), packing the goods in the packaging container, andsealing and otherwise preparing the filled packaging container forshipment. In another example, a fulfillment center may include a numberof packing stations, where a human operator receives pre-picked goods(e.g., goods picked by another human), selects (and possibly assembles)a packaging container, moves the pre-picked goods into the packagingcontainer, and seals and otherwise prepares the filled packagingcontainer for shipment.

In an effort to improve the efficiency of fulfillment or otherdistribution centers, recent developments have introduced automation andcustomization into various aspects of the fulfillment industry. Forinstance, custom packaging systems have been developed that dynamicallyproduce packaging containers that are custom-sized for a particularorder, while optimizing use of packaging material (e.g., cardboard).Similarly, automated or semi-automated systems have been developed forpicking goods (e.g., from warehouse shelves), packing the goods in thepackaging container, and sealing and otherwise preparing the filledpackaging container for shipment.

Fulfillment or other distribution centers often employ conveyor systemsto transport goods and packaging containers between various locationswithin the facilities. Such systems can increase the speed andefficiency at which packaging containers are packed and shipped. Typicalconveyor systems include tracks with rollers and/or conveyor beltsmounted thereon. The rollers and/or conveyor belts rotate to move goodsand/or packaging containers along the conveyor systems betweenlocations. Typical conveyor systems can operate with limited speeds. Ifthe speeds of the conveyor systems are increased too much, the goodsand/or packaging containers may slip, tip over, or even fall off of theconveyor system. In an effort to allow for the speed of conveyor systemsto be increased without causing the goods and/or packaging containers toslip, tip or fall off of the conveyor system, holding devices have beenadded to some conveyor systems. The holding devices may interact withthe goods and/or packaging containers to counteract forces that maycause the goods and/or packaging containers to slip, tip, or fall off ofthe conveyor systems.

However, the holding devices currently in use are designed to be usedwith goods and/or packaging containers of particular sizes. Forinstance, a conveyor system may include holding devices that caninteract with packaging containers of only one size. If a packagingcontainer of a different size (e.g., larger or smaller) were transportedon such a conveyor system, the holding devices may not be able toeffectively hold the packaging container. As a result, the larger orsmaller packaging container may slip, tip, or fall off of the conveyorsystem if the speeds of the conveyor system increase too much.

In view of the foregoing, there remains room for improvement in thefield of conveyor systems and the order in which packaging containersare created and packaged.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments thatsolve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such asthose described above. Rather, this background is only provided toillustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodimentsdescribed herein may be practiced.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Disclosed embodiments comprise methods, devices, and computer systemsfor high-speed and high-efficiency packaging of items, includingmovement of packaging containers and to-be-packaged items. For instance,in one embodiment, a conveyor system includes a rail having one or morechannels therein and a sled operatively associated with the rail. Thesled includes a body, one or more wheels mounted on the body andconfigured to move through the one or more channels in the rail, and aholding device connected to the body, the holding device beingconfigured to engage a packaging container to move the packagingcontainer along the rail.

In another embodiment, a method of transporting a packaging container isprovided. The method includes positioning a packaging container betweena first sled and a second sled of a conveyor system, moving one or bothof the first sled and the second sled towards the packaging container,securing the packaging container between the first sled and the secondsled, and moving the first sled and the second sled along a rail of theconveyor system to transport the packaging container along the rail.

In at least one embodiment, a computer system receives a particularpackaging container on a particular dynamic transportation mechanism.The particular dynamic transportation mechanism is configured toautomatically physically size itself to carry the particular packagingcontainer. Additionally, the computer system associates, with the one ormore processors, the particular packaging container with a particulardonor bin. The particular donor bin contains at least one of the one ormore target products. The computer system also generates a queue commandthat is configured to cause the particular dynamic transportationmechanism to physically move itself into a queue of a set of dynamictransportation mechanisms. The computer system then receives a requestto package a second packaging container with a particular item. Theparticular item is also associated with the particular donor bin.Further, the computer system generates a packing command that isconfigured to cause both the particular dynamic transportation mechanismto physically move itself out of the queue and to a particular packingstation where the particular donor bin is location, and a second dynamictransportation mechanism associated with the second packaging containerto physically move itself to the particular packing station.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the descriptionwhich follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or maybe learned by the practice of the teachings herein. Features andadvantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of theinstruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims. Features of the present invention will become more fullyapparent from the following description and appended claims or may belearned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of thepresent invention, a more particular description of the invention willbe rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that thesedrawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and aretherefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention willbe described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a fulfillment or distribution centersystem according to an example embodiment;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an example conveyor system for use in thesystem illustrated in FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment;

FIGS. 3-4B illustrate example sleds for use with the conveyor system ofFIGS. 2A and 2B according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates the example sleds of FIGS. 3-4B holding an envelopeaccording to an example embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates the example sled of FIGS. 3-4B in a rotated orpivoted a configuration according to an example embodiment;

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an example set of sleds holding a packagingcontainer and moving along a track or rail according to an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a partially exploded view of a pivot device for usewith the sleds of FIGS. 3-8 according to an example embodiment;

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate additional example sleds for use with theconveyor system of FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic diagram of a computer system forhigh-speed packaging container delivery;

FIG. 13 illustrates a flow chart of a method for high-speed andhigh-efficiency packaging of items; and

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate embodiments of portions of otherfulfillment or distribution center systems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems,methods, and devices for transporting goods and/or packaging containers(e.g., box, envelopes, etc.). More specifically, exemplary embodimentsrelate to high speed and/or dynamic conveyor systems, devices, andmethods for transporting goods and/or custom packaging containers.

While the present disclosure will be described in detail with referenceto specific configurations, the descriptions are illustrative and arenot to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.Various modifications can be made to the illustrated configurationswithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as definedby the claims. For better understanding, like components have beendesignated by like reference numbers throughout the various accompanyingfigures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a fulfillment ordistribution center system 100. The illustrated system 100 includes apackaging machine 102, conveyor systems 104, 106, 108 a, 108 b, 110, andpack stations 112, 114, 116, 118. Packaging machine 102 may convert rawmaterials (e.g., sheet material, corrugate material, cardboard, etc.)into packaging templates and/or packaging containers (e.g., formed fromthe packaging templates and which are at least partially assembled). Asused herein the terms “custom-made container,” “packaging container,”and the like include both a packaging template, a partially orcompletely assembled box, an envelope (e.g., formed from the packagingtemplates which are at least partially assembled), and/or any otherpackaging component. As will be discussed further below, packagingmachine 102 may optionally close, seal, and/or label packagingcontainers that have been filled with products. In various embodimentsdisclosed herein, packaging containers may comprise custom-madecontainers or pre-cut containers. As such, the described packagingproduction machine 102 may not be present in every embodiment.

The various conveyor systems 104, 106, 108 a, 108 b, 110 of system 100may transport to-be-packaged goods (also referred to herein as “targetproducts”), packaging templates, and/or packaging containers (eitherempty or filled). For instance, conveyor system 104 may transportto-be-packaged goods 120 from a warehouse or other storage area to packstations 112, 114, 116, 118. In at least one embodiment, theto-be-packaged goods 120 are transported within “donor bins.” As usedherein, a “donor bin” comprise any means by which to-be-packaged goodsare transported on conveyor systems 104, 106, 108 a, 108 b, 110. In atleast one embodiment, a “donor bin” comprises a container that includesmultiples of a single type of product. Similarly, conveyor system 106may transport packaging templates 122 and/or packaging containers 124from packaging machine 102 to conveyor system 108 a. In someembodiments, as discussed below, conveyor system 106 may also transportfilled packaging containers 126 to a shipping or other area of thefulfillment or distribution system 100.

Conveyor system 108 a may transport packaging templates 122 and/orpackaging containers 124 to pack stations 116, 118. At pack stations116, 118, packaging templates 112 may be assembled into packagingcontainers 124. Alternatively, the packing stations 116, 118 may receivealready assembled packaging containers 124. Whether the packagingcontainers 124 are assembled by packaging machine 102, at pack stations116, 118, or at another location, the assembled packaging containers 124can be filled with the goods 120.

In some embodiments, packaging containers 124 are custom sized to fitparticular goods 120 or groups of goods 120. The particular goods 120 orgroups of goods 120 can be associated with the appropriate custom sizedpackaging containers 124 at pack stations 116, 118 and the particulargoods 120 or groups of goods 120 can be packed into the associatedcustom sized packaging containers 124.

Filled packaging containers 126 may be transferred from conveyor system108 a to conveyor system 106. Alternatively, filled packaging containers126 may be transferred from conveyor system 108 a to conveyor system 108b. Conveyor system 108 b may then transfer filled packaging containers126 to conveyor system 106. In either case, filled packaging containers126 may be transported by conveyor system 106 to another area of system100.

In some embodiments, packaging templates 122 and/or packaging containers124 may be transferred from conveyor system 106 to conveyor system 108a. The packaging templates 122 and/or packaging containers 124 maythereafter be transferred to conveyor system 104. Conveyor system 104may transport packaging templates 122 and/or packaging containers 124 topack stations 112, 114. At pack stations 112, 114, packaging templates122 may be assembled into packaging containers 124 and goods 120 may bepacked therein. Conveyor system 110 can then transport the filledpackaging containers 126 to packaging machine 102, which can completeone or more additional steps of the packaging process (e.g., addingprotective fill material into the filled packaging containers 126,closing the filled packaging containers 126, applying labels, etc.).Thereafter, the completed packaging containers 126 may be transported toanother area of system 100 via conveyor system 106.

Conveyor systems 104, 106, 108 a, 108 b, 110 may have substantiallysimilar configurations or constructions as one another or may havedifferent configurations or constructions from one another. Forinstance, one or more of conveyor systems 104, 106, 108 a, 108 b, 110may include rollers, wheels, or belts that rotate to move goods,packaging templates, or packaging containers there along. In contrast,as discussed in more detail below, one or more of conveyor systems 104,106, 108 a, 108 b, 110 may include tracks or rails and sleds for movinggoods, packaging templates, or packaging containers. In the illustratedembodiment, conveyor systems 108 a, 108 b include tracks or rails 128and sleds 130.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 2A and 2B, which illustrate anexample embodiment of track or rail 128 and a pair of sleds 130. In theillustrated embodiment, sleds 130 are movable along rail 128. Forinstance, in the illustrated embodiment, sleds 130 include wheels 132that can roll within channels of rail 128. In other embodiments, wheels132 could be supplemented or replaced with low friction sliders thatslide within channels of rail 128. In still other embodiments, wheels132 and the channels of rail 128 may be supplemented or replaced withsprockets, chain, cables, or the like.

Conveyor systems 104, 106, 108 a, 108 b, 110 may comprise one or moretracks or rails 128 that sleds 130 move within. For example, sleds 130may move within a single, common track or rail 128. Sleds 130 may moveindependently from one another within the common track or rail 128. Inother embodiments, sleds 130 may move within separate tracks or rails128. Similarly, sleds 130 may move independently from one another withinthe separate tracks or rails 128.

In some embodiments, for instance, each sled 130 may include a motor 134that can activate wheels 132 to move sleds 130 along rail 128. Motors134 on sleds 130 can be activated at different times, for differentdurations, in different directions, and/or at different speeds to movesleds 130 closer together or further away from each other. In otherembodiments, as discussed below, sleds 130 may be magnetically attachedto rail 128 and moved along rail 128 by changing the polarity of rail128 adjacent to sled 130. Conveyor systems 104, 106, 108 a, 108 b, 110may include other mechanisms for moving sleds 130 along rail 128.

By way of example, sleds 130 may be spaced apart a first distance asshown in FIG. 2A. Motors 134 from one or both of sleds 130 may beactivated to move sleds 130 towards one another in the direction of theillustrated arrows. Similarly, motors 134 from one or both of sleds 130may be activated to move sleds 130 further apart from one another (e.g.,in a direction opposite to the illustrated arrows in FIG. 2A). In someembodiments, sleds 130 may move relative to one another in directionsthat is along the length of rail 128, as shown in FIG. 2A. In otherembodiments, sleds 130 (or portions thereof) may move relative to oneanother in directions transverse to the length of rail 128.

Sleds 130 (or portions thereof) may be repositioned relative to oneanother in order to adjust the distance between holding devices 136 onsleds 130. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, sleds 130 may berepositioned closer to one another so that holding devices 136 engageopposing sides of packaging container 124. With holding devices 136engaged with opposing sides of packaging container 124, sleds 130 maymove together (e.g., with similar speeds, directions, etc.) in order tohold and move packaging container 124 along rail 128.

Holding devices 136 may securely hold packaging container 124 such thatsleds 130 may move along rail 128 at speeds that are higher than typicalfor roller or belt conveyer systems. In particular, because holdingdevices 136 securely hold packaging container 124 (rather than relyingsolely on friction between rollers/belts and the packaging container),sleds 130 can move at higher speeds with less risk of packagingcontainer 124 slipping, tipping over, or falling off of conveyor system104, 106, 108 a, 108 b, 110.

The speeds at which sleds 130 move packaging container 124 may bedynamically controlled. By way of example, the speeds of sleds 130 maybe adjusted based on the size of packaging container 124 (e.g., height,width, length), the weight of packaging container 124 and/or the goodsdisposed therein, characteristics of the goods (e.g., fragile, etc.)disposed within packaging container 124, and the like.

Turning now to FIG. 3 , there is illustrated an example embodiment of asled 130. In the illustrated embodiment, sled 130 includes a body 138.Connected to body 138 are wheels 132 that can ride in the channels ofrail 128. A motor 134 that activates/drives wheels 132 may be housedwithin body 138. Holding device 136 is also connected to body 138. Inthe illustrated embodiment, holding device 136 is connected to body 138via a pivot device 140, which will be discussed in greater detail below.

In the illustrated embodiment, holding device 136 includes a horizontalsurface 142 and a vertical surface 144. Horizontal surface 142 canextend at least partially underneath a packaging container 124 tosupport the packaging container 124 from underneath. The verticalsurface 144 can be positioned adjacent to or against a vertical orgenerally vertical surface of the packaging container 124. When a pairof sleds 130 are used to move a packaging container 124, the verticalsurfaces 144 from the pair of sleds 130 can be positioned adjacent to oragainst opposing sides of the packaging container 124 to secure thepackaging container 124 between the vertical surfaces 144.

As can be seen in FIG. 3 , holding device 136 may also include one ormore retention elements 146 disposed on or integrated with verticalsurface 144. Horizontal surface 142 may also include one or more similarretention elements. When a packaging container is disposed between apair of sleds 130, retention elements 146 may compress and at leastpartially conform to the shape of packaging container 124. In someembodiments, retention elements 146 may extend at least partially aroundsides of packaging container 124 to limit or prevent lateral movement ofpackaging container 124 relative to holding devices 136.

In the illustrated embodiment, retention elements 146 are formed of amaterial that has resilient, compression, slip resistantcharacteristics. For instance, retention elements 146 may be formed offoam, rubber, foam rubber, leather, cotton, or the like.

As can be seen in FIG. 3 , holding device 136 may also, oralternatively, include an envelope retainer 148. Envelope retainer 148may include a vertical retention channel 150 into which an edge of anenvelope may be received. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, envelope retainer148 may be pivotally mounted on holding device 136. FIG. 4A illustratesenvelope retainer 148 in a neutral or vertical position. In contrast,FIG. 4B illustrates envelope retainer 148 pivoted to an angled position.Envelope retainer 148 may pivot to the angled position in order to opena top end of an envelope to facilitate filling of the envelope withgoods.

For instance, FIG. 5 illustrates a pair of sleds 130 holding an envelope124. As can be seen, the opposing edges of envelope 124 are disposed invertical retention channels 150 of envelope retainers 148. Furthermore,envelope retainers 148 are pivoted to the angled position such that thetop ends of envelope retainers 148 are closer together than the bottomends thereof. Positioning the top ends of envelope retainers 148 closertogether than the bottom ends causes the top end of envelope 124 to openas shown in FIG. 5 . With the top end of envelope 124 open, goods can bereadily inserted into envelope 124. Thereafter, envelope retainers 148may pivot back to the vertical or neutral position (FIG. 4A) to allowthe top end of envelope 124 to close.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 6 . As mention above, holding device136 is connected to body 138 via pivot device 140. Pivot device 140enables holding device 136 to pivot relative to body 138 and vice versa.In FIG. 6 , holding device 136 is pivoted relative to body 138 (incomparison to FIG. 3 ). The ability to pivot holding device 136 relativeto body 138 can be useful for a variety of reasons. For instance, if apair of sleds 130 is to hold a packaging container having an irregularshape (e.g., opposing sides of the packaging container are not parallelto one another), allowing one or both of the holding devices 136 topivot can create a more secure engagement with the packaging device.

Another reason for allowing holding device 136 to pivot relative to body138 is to accommodate turns, curves, or bends in rail 128. As shown inFIG. 7 , when rail 128 is linear and a pair of holding devices 136 areholding a rectangular packaging container 124, holding devices 136 areoriented parallel to one another and perpendicular to rail 128.

In contrast, when a pair of holding devices 136 is moving a packagingcontainer 124 around a curve in rail 128, as shown in FIG. 8 , one orboth of holding devices 136 may need to pivot relative to body(ies) 138such that holding devices 136 remain parallel (or at anotherpredetermined angle) relative to one another and such that one or bothof holding devices 136 extends transversely across rail 128 at anon-perpendicular angle. In particular, one or both of holding devices136 may need to pivot relative to body(ies) 138 to enable wheels 132 tostay within the channels in rail 128 while also maintaining securecontact with the packaging container 124.

If holding devices 136 could not pivot relative to their respectivebodies 138, then wheels 132 may bind in or be pulled out of the channelsin rails 128. Alternatively, if wheels 132 were maintained in thechannels in rail 128, then the entirety of sled 130 may rotate (relativeto the packaging container 124) as the sled goes around a corner, bend,or curve in rail 128. The rotation of the entirety of sled 130 relativeto the packaging container 124 may decrease the engagement betweenholding device 136 and packaging container 124 to the point thatpackaging container 124 may become freed from sleds 130 undesirably.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate sled 130 being offset from one anotherlongitudinally along rail 128. For instance, holding devices 136 extendtransversely relative to rail 128. In such case, a pair of sleds 130 mayhold a packaging container 124 therebetween with forces that aredirected generally parallel to the length of rail 128. However, thisarrangement is merely exemplary. In another embodiments, for example,sleds 130 may be associated with opposing sides of rail 128 or separaterails. In such embodiments, holding devices 136 may extend parallel,generally parallel, or along a length of rail 128. In such case, a pairof sleds 130 may hold a packaging container 124 therebetween with forcesthat are directed transversely relative to the length of rail 128.

Turning now to FIG. 9 , there is illustrated one example embodiment ofpivot device 140 in a partially exploded view. As can be seen, pivotdevice 140 includes a first half 152 and a second half 154, which canpivot relative to one another when assembled together. First half 152includes a body 156 with one or more magnetic members 158 mountedtherein, one or more limit channels 160, and one or more bearings 161.Similarly, second half 154 includes a body 162 with one or more magneticmembers 164 mounted therein. Body 162 also has one or more limit pins166 extending therefrom.

When pivot device 140 is assembled, one or more magnetic members 158 andone or more magnetic members 164 may be aligned with one another andattract first half 152 and second half 154 together. Additionally, oneor more limit pints 166 may extend into one or more limit channels 160.Once assembled, first half 152 and second half 154 may pivot relative toone another. One or more bearings 161 may interface between first half152 and second half 154 to facilitate smooth pivoting therebetween.

When first half 152 and second half 154 pivot relative to one another,one or more limit pins 166 may move through one or more limit channels160. The length of one or more limit channels 160 may limit the degreeto which first half 152 and second half 154 may pivot. For instance, oneor more limit channels 160 may extend 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, or 90°about first half 152. When one or more limit pins 166 reach the end ofone or more limits channels 160, the interaction between one or morelimit pins 166 and the ends of one or more limit channels 160 canprevent first half 152 and second half 154 from pivoting further.

In addition to holding first half 152 and second half 154 together, oneor more magnetic members 158 and one or more magnetic members 164 mayalso bias first half 152 and second half 154 to a neutral position. Inthe neutral position, one or more magnetic members 158 and one or moremagnetic members 164 may be aligned with one another. In contrast, whenfirst half 152 and second half 154 are pivoted relative to one another,one or more magnetic members 158 and one or more magnetic members 164may be at least partially misaligned with one another. When the forcecausing first half 152 and second half 154 to pivot is removed, themagnetic attraction between one or more magnetic members 158 and one ormore magnetic members 164 may cause first half 152 and second half 154to pivot back to the neutral position where the magnetic members arealigned with each other.

In some embodiments, each of one or more magnetic members 158 and one ormore magnetic members 164 are formed of magnetic materials. In otherembodiments, one or more magnetic members 158 and one or more magneticmembers 164 may be paired, with one of the members being formed of amagnetic material and the other member being formed of a material thatis attracted by magnets.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 10 and 11 , which illustrate analternative embodiment for retention elements on the vertical surfacesof a holding device. FIG. 10 illustrates a holding device 170 that canbe similar or identical to holding device 136 in many respects. Forinstance, holding device 170 includes a horizontal surface 172 and avertical surface 174 that can be similar or identical to horizontalsurface 142 and vertical surface 144.

Also, like holding device 136, holding device 170 includes retentionelements 176 on the vertical surface 174. In the illustrated, theretention elements 176 extend away from a front surface of verticalsurface 174. Retention elements 176 may be biased to a raised positionas shown in FIG. 10 . The rejection elements 176 may be biased to theraised position via a spring or counterweight. Counterweight 177 may bedisposed adjacent to a rear surface of vertical surface 174, as shown inFIG. 10 .

Retention elements 176 may be configured to be compressed or loweredtowards vertical surface 174 when vertical surface 174 is positionedadjacent to a packaging container. For instance, FIG. 11 illustrates apair of holding devices 170 disposed on opposing sides of a packagingcontainer 124. As can be seen, retention elements 176 that are disposedbetween vertical surfaces 174 and packaging container 124 are moved to acompressed or lowered position. When retention elements 176 are in thecompressed or lowered position, packaging container 124 can bepositioned closer to vertical surfaces 174.

In contrast, retention elements 176 near the ends of holding devices 170(e.g., where packaging container 124 is not positioned) are in theraised position. These retention elements 176 that are not directlybetween vertical surfaces 174 and packaging container 124 can interfacewith the sides of packaging container 124. For instance, these retentionelements 176 can limit or prevent lateral movement of packagingcontainer 124 relative to the rest of holding devices 170.

Turning now to FIG. 12 , FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic diagram of acomputer system for high-speed packaging container delivery. Thedepicted high-speed packaging container delivery system 200 (referred toherein as the “computer system”) is shown as being executed on a desktopcomputer 210, but may also be executed on a server, an integratedsystem, or any other system capable of executing computer code. Computersystem 200 comprises one or more processors 220, a network interface230, a cubing processor 240, and computer-readable media 250. Each ofthese components may comprise a solely software structure, a solelyhardware structure, or a combination of software and hardware. For thesake of example and explanation, computer system 200 is showncommunicating with a packaging production machine 102. One willappreciate that computer system 200 may also be in communication withconveyor systems 104, 106, 108 a, 108 b, 110 such that computer system200 can control the movement of target products, packaging templates,and packaging containers across conveyor systems 104, 106, 108 a, 108 b,110.

In at least one embodiment, computer system 200 receives, at one or moreprocessors 220, dimension information describing physical dimensions ofa group of one or more target products that are to be boxed. Thedimension information may comprise dimensions of each of the one or moretarget products or dimensions of a requested custom-made packagingcontainer size. In at least one embodiment, computer system 200 receivesidentification numbers for each of the one or more target products.Computer system 200 then requests and receives the individual dimensionsof each target product from a database. Cubing processor 340 thendetermines dimensions of a particular packaging container 124 that willproperly hold the one or more target products.

Additionally, computer system 200 generates a packaging productionrequest for a packaging production machine 102. The packaging productionrequest comprises instructions configured to cause packaging productionmachine 102 to generate a particular packaging container 124 that issized based upon the dimension information. Packaging production machine102 generates a packaging container 124. As described above, packagingcontainer 124 may comprise a packaging template, a completed box, apackaging envelope, or any other packaging component.

In addition, computer system 200 is configured to receive the particularpackaging container 124 on a particular dynamic transportationmechanism, such as the conveyor systems 104, 106, 108 a, 108 b, 110. Inat least one embodiment, the particular dynamic transportation mechanismis configured to automatically physically size itself to carry theparticular packaging container 124 as described above with respect tosleds 130.

In particular, the particular dynamic transportation mechanism maycomprise a first independently controlled sled 130 and a secondindependently controlled sled 130 that are configured to be adjustablecloser to each other or further apart from each other. For example,computer system 200 generates a spacing command for the particulardynamic transportation mechanism. The spacing command is configured tocause the first independently controlled sled 130 and the secondindependently controlled sled 130 to move a particular distance awayfrom each other. The particular distance is determined based upon awidth or length dimension of the particular packaging container 124.

For instance, a particular packaging container may comprise a width ofone-half meter. As such, computer system 200 may generate a spacingcommand for one-half meter in order to properly space the firstindependently controlled sled 130 and a second independently controlledsled 130 to hold the particular packaging container. In the case of apackaging envelop, and as described above, the spacing command maycomprise less than a width or length of the packaging envelope such thatan inward pressure is placed on the packaging envelope—causing thepackaging envelope to open.

Computer system 200 may also associate, with one or more processors 220,the particular packaging container 124 with a particular donor bin. Theparticular donor bin contains at least one of the one or more targetproducts. Despite being associated with the particular packagingcontainer 124, the particular donor bin may need to be retrieved from awarehouse area and placed on conveyor systems 104, 106, 108 a, 108 b,110. Alternatively, the particular donor bin may already be positionedon conveyor systems 104, 106, 108 a, 108 b, 110 in response to aprevious packaging request that also included the product that iscontained within the donor bin.

Computer system 200 may generate a queue command that is configured tocause the particular dynamic transportation mechanism with theparticular packaging container 124 to physically move itself into aqueue of a set of dynamic transportation mechanisms. For example, thequeue command may move the particular dynamic transportation mechanismto conveyor system 108 a or conveyor system 108 b. The particulardynamic transportation mechanism may remain in the queue until computersystem 200 determines an optimal time to move the particular dynamictransportation mechanism to a packing station 112, 114, 116, 118.

For example, computer system 200 may receive a request to package asecond packaging container with a particular item, and the particularitem may also be associated with the particular donor bin. In response,computer system 200 generates a packing command that is configured tocause both (1) the particular dynamic transportation mechanism tophysically move itself out of the queue and to a particular packingstation (e.g., packing station 112) where the particular donor bin islocated, and (2) a second dynamic transportation mechanism associatedwith the second packaging container to physically move itself to theparticular packing station 112.

A user at the particular packing station 112 is then able to quickly andefficiently pack multiple separate packaging containers 124 byleveraging a single donor bin that includes items that need to be placedwithin both packaging containers 124. In additional embodiment, computersystem 200 may send multiple sequential donor bins and multiplepackaging containers 124 to packing station 112, such that the user isputting multiple items from multiple donor bins into multiple packagingcontainers 124.

As an example of an embodiment, one donor bin at a time is sent topacking station 112. Once the donor bin has arrived, multiple dynamictransportation mechanisms with the packaging containers are also sent topacking station 112. A user is then able to put the particular type ofitem that is associated with the one donor bin into each of thepackaging containers. The packaging containers are then placed back intothe queue if additional target products are still needed or sent toshipping if they have received all of their target products. Eachpackaging container placed in the queue can be moved back to a packingstation 112 when another donor bin arrives with a target product that isassociated with the packaging container. As such, the user is packingitems into packaging containers 124 so that the items and the packagingcontainers 124 can be shipped.

In at least one embodiment, the selection of the particular packagingcontainers and particular donor bins is made based upon optimizationalgorithms that are meant to minimize the total distance of travel ofthe donor bins and packaging containers 124 within the warehouse and/orthe conveyor systems 104, 106, 108 a, 108 b, 110. Additionally oralternatively, the selection of the particular packaging containers andparticular donor bins is made based upon machine learning algorithmsthat are designed to optimize output of filled packaging containers 126.Further, additionally or alternatively, the optimization algorithm maygroup orders in batches to ensure the largest number of common items arepackaged at the same time. Such optimizations may significantly increasethe speed and efficiency of a packaging system. In any case, the dynamictransportation mechanisms and/or conveyor systems 104, 106, 108 a, 108b, 110 are configured for high-speed movements, such that the movementsof the packaging containers between different desired locations occurswithin seconds.

FIG. 13 illustrates a flow chart of a method 300 for high-speed andhigh-efficiency packaging of items. Method 300 includes act 310 ofreceiving, at the one or more processors, dimension informationdescribing physical dimensions of a group of one or more target productsthat are to be boxed. Method 300 also includes an act 320 of generatinga packaging production request for a packaging production machine,wherein the packaging production request comprises instructionsconfigured to cause the packaging production machine to generate aparticular packaging container that is sized based upon the dimensioninformation. Additionally, method 300 includes an act 330 of receivingthe particular packaging container on a particular dynamictransportation mechanism, wherein the particular dynamic transportationmechanism is configured to automatically physically size itself to carrythe particular packaging container.

Method 300 further includes an act 340 of associating, with the one ormore processors, the particular packaging container with a particulardonor bin, wherein the particular donor bin contains at least one of theone or more target products. Additionally, method 300 include act 350 ofgenerating a queue command that is configured to cause the particulardynamic transportation mechanism to physically move itself into a queueof a set of dynamic transportation mechanisms.

Method 300 also includes an act 360 of receiving a request to package asecond packaging container with a particular item, wherein theparticular item is also associated with the particular donor bin.Further, method 300 includes an act 370 of generating a packing commandthat is configured to cause both the particular dynamic transportationmechanism to physically move itself out of the queue and to a particularpacking station where the particular donor bin is located, and a seconddynamic transportation mechanism associated with the second packagingcontainer to physically move itself to the particular packing station.

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate embodiments of portions of otherfulfillment or distribution center systems 100. The illustrated systemsinclude conveyor systems 400, 410 a, 410 b, 420 a, 420 b, and packingstations 430 a, 430 b, and 30 c. While not depicted in FIGS. 14A and14B, the disclosed fulfillment or distribution center systems 100 maycomprise packaging production machine(s) 102 and other components asdepicted and described above (for example in FIG. 1 ). As such theembodiment depicted in FIGS. 14A and 14B may operate with packagingcontainers as described above.

FIG. 14A depicts a fulfillment or distribution center system 100 with asingle packing station 430 a, while FIG. 14B depicts a fulfillment ordistribution center system 100 with two packing stations 530 b and 530c. Both depicted fulfillment or distribution center systems 100 compriseadditional respective conveyor systems 420 a, 420 b that are referred toherein as a “parking areas.” In at least one embodiment, parking areas420 a, 420 b are used to dynamically and intelligently manage the flowof packaging containers 124 to packing stations 430 a, 430 b, and 430 c.

For example, a packaging container 124 may be carried by a sled onconveyor system 400. The sled may be magnetically attached to conveyorsystem 400 such that conveyor system 400 can change polarity around thearea of the sled when the sled is positioned between conveyor system 400and conveyor systems 410 a or 410 b. Conveyor system 410 a, 410 b mayactivate an electronic magnetic at substantially the same time andlocation such that that the sled is transferred from conveyor system 400to conveyor system 410 a, 410 b. As described elsewhere herein, thesleds may be connected to and moved along the conveyor systems 410 a or410 b via mechanisms that do include magnetic attachments. For instance,in other embodiments, the sleds may be moved along conveyor systems 410a or 410 b via motors, chains and sprockets, or any other suitablemechanism. In any event, the sled and the associated packaging container124 then travel around conveyor systems 410 a, 410 b respectively.

Conveyor systems 410 a, 410 b are both configured to utilize the parkingareas 420 a, 420 b to queue packaging containers 124 in order tooptimize the flow of packaging containers 124 and target productsthrough packing stations 430 a, 430 b, 430 c. For example, in FIG. 14A,a single packing station 430 a is fed by the conveyor system 410 a. Inat least one embodiment, an order for a particular item may be received.A computer system may determine that the particular item is ahigh-popularity item such that it is ordered with a frequency thatexceeds a particular threshold. The particular threshold may be userspecified or set by the computer system.

Upon receiving the order, a packaging production machine 102 generates apackaging container 124 that is custom-sized to fit the particular item.In some cases, the packaging container 124 may be custom-sized to fitthe particular item along with other items in the same order. Thepackaging container 124 is then placed on a sled and delivered toconveyor system 400, which in turn passes the packaging container 124and sled to conveyer system 410 a.

Due to the particular item being a high-popularity item, the computersystem may cause the particular item to be placed within the parkingarea 420 a. The sled and packaging container 124 will remain in theparking area 420 a until a second order for the same particular item isreceived. Upon receiving the second order, a second packaging container124 will be made to fit the second order (and possibly other items inthe second order). Once complete, the second packaging container 124will be sent to the packing station 430 a and the sled and firstpackaging container 124 will be removed from the parking area 420 a andalso sent to the packing station 430 a.

A user at the packing station 430 a will receive both packagingcontainers 124 at the packing station 430 a at the same time.Additionally, a single donor bill will be able to provide the particularitem to both packaging containers 124. Accordingly, the system is ableto increase efficiency by allowing a user to pack two different ordersat the same time using items from a common donor bin. One willappreciate that this concept can be extended to cover multiple popularitems being placed within parking area 420 a until an optimum time whenthey are sent to packing station 430 a.

Turning now to FIG. 14B, a system with two packing stations 430 a, 430 cis depicted. The depicted fulfillment or distribution center systems 100also comprises a parking area 420 b. In the depicted embodiment, only asingle parking area 420 b is shown, but one will appreciate thatadditional or alternative embodiments may comprise multiple parkingareas 420 b. For instance, each packing station 430 b, 430 c may beassociated with its own parking area 420 b.

The system 100 operates similar to that described above, except theparking area 420 b now acts to dynamically and intelligently manage theflow of packaging containers 124 to both packing stations 430 b, 430 c.Accordingly, system 100 may place packaging containers 124 and theirassociated sleds within parking area 420 b until additional orders forthe same popular product are received. At which point, packagingcontainers 124 can be simultaneously sent to packing station 430 b or430 c to allow multiple packaging containers 124 to be filled from asingle donor bin.

In additional or alternative embodiments, fulfillment or distributioncenter system 100 may also be in communication with a picking systemthat is delivering the donor bins. The two systems may communicate andoperate in order to further optimize the packaging and shipment ofgoods.

Further, the methods may be practiced by a computer system including oneor more processors and computer-readable media such as computer memory.In particular, the computer memory may store computer-executableinstructions that when executed by one or more processors cause variousfunctions to be performed, such as the acts recited in the embodiments.

Computing system functionality can be enhanced by a computing systems'ability to be interconnected to other computing systems via networkconnections. Network connections may include, but are not limited to,connections via wired or wireless Ethernet, cellular connections, oreven computer to computer connections through serial, parallel, USB, orother connections. The connections allow a computing system to accessservices at other computing systems and to quickly and efficientlyreceive application data from other computing systems.

Interconnection of computing systems has facilitated distributedcomputing systems, such as so-called “cloud” computing systems. In thisdescription, “cloud computing” may be systems or resources for enablingubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool ofconfigurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage,applications, services, etc.) that can be provisioned and released withreduced management effort or service provider interaction. A cloud modelcan be composed of various characteristics (e.g., on-demandself-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity,measured service, etc.), service models (e.g., Software as a Service(“SaaS”), Platform as a Service (“PaaS”), Infrastructure as a Service(“IaaS”), and deployment models (e.g., private cloud, community cloud,public cloud, hybrid cloud, etc.).

Cloud and remote based service applications are prevalent. Suchapplications are hosted on public and private remote systems such asclouds and usually offer a set of web based services for communicatingback and forth with clients.

Many computers are intended to be used by direct user interaction withthe computer. As such, computers have input hardware and software userinterfaces to facilitate user interaction. For example, a modern generalpurpose computer may include a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, camera, etc.for allowing a user to input data into the computer. In addition,various software user interfaces may be available.

Examples of software user interfaces include graphical user interfaces,text command line based user interface, function key or hot key userinterfaces, and the like.

Disclosed embodiments may comprise or utilize a special purpose orgeneral-purpose computer including computer hardware, as discussed ingreater detail below. Disclosed embodiments also include physical andother computer-readable media for carrying or storingcomputer-executable instructions and/or data structures. Suchcomputer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessedby a general purpose or special purpose computer system.Computer-readable media that store computer-executable instructions arephysical storage media. Computer-readable media that carrycomputer-executable instructions are transmission media. Thus, by way ofexample, and not limitation, embodiments of the invention can compriseat least two distinctly different kinds of computer-readable media:physical computer-readable storage media and transmissioncomputer-readable media.

Physical computer-readable storage media includes RAM, ROM, EEPROM,CD-ROM or other optical disk storage (such as CDs, DVDs, etc.), magneticdisk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other mediumwhich can be used to store desired program code means in the form ofcomputer-executable instructions or data structures and which can beaccessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.

A “network” is defined as one or more data links that enable thetransport of electronic data between computer systems and/or modulesand/or other electronic devices. When information is transferred orprovided over a network or another communications connection (eitherhardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to acomputer, the computer properly views the connection as a transmissionmedium. Transmissions media can include a network and/or data linkswhich can be used to carry program code in the form ofcomputer-executable instructions or data structures and which can beaccessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. Combinationsof the above are also included within the scope of computer-readablemedia.

Further, upon reaching various computer system components, program codemeans in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structurescan be transferred automatically from transmission computer-readablemedia to physical computer-readable storage media (or vice versa). Forexample, computer-executable instructions or data structures receivedover a network or data link can be buffered in RAM within a networkinterface module (e.g., a “NIC”), and then eventually transferred tocomputer system RAM and/or to less volatile computer-readable physicalstorage media at a computer system. Thus, computer-readable physicalstorage media can be included in computer system components that also(or even primarily) utilize transmission media.

Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions anddata which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer,or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function orgroup of functions. The computer-executable instructions may be, forexample, binaries, intermediate format instructions such as assemblylanguage, or even source code. Although the subject matter has beendescribed in language specific to structural features and/ormethodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matterdefined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to thedescribed features or acts described above. Rather, the describedfeatures and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing theclaims.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may bepracticed in network computing environments with many types of computersystem configurations, including, personal computers, desktop computers,laptop computers, message processors, hand-held devices, multi-processorsystems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, mobile telephones,PDAs, pagers, routers, switches, and the like. The invention may also bepracticed in distributed system environments where local and remotecomputer systems, which are linked (either by hardwired data links,wireless data links, or by a combination of hardwired and wireless datalinks) through a network, both perform tasks. In a distributed systemenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotememory storage devices.

Alternatively, or in addition, the functionality described herein can beperformed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components.For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardwarelogic components that can be used include Field-programmable Gate Arrays(FPGAs), Program-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Program-specificStandard Products (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), ComplexProgrammable Logic Devices (CPLDs), etc.

In light of the above, one embodiment of a conveyor system may include arail having one or more channels therein and a sled operativelyassociated with the rail. The sled can include a body, one or morewheels mounted on the body and configured to move through the one ormore channels in the rail, and a holding device connected to the body,the holding device being configured to engage a packaging container tomove the packaging container along the rail.

In some embodiments, the holding device comprises a horizontal surfaceconfigured to extend at least partially underneath a packagingcontainer.

In some embodiments, the holding device comprises a vertical surfaceconfigured to engage a vertical side of a packaging container.

In some embodiments, the holding device also comprises one or moreretention elements associated with the vertical surface.

In some embodiments, the one or more retention elements comprise foam,rubber, foam rubber, leather, cotton, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the one or more retention elements comprise aspring or gravity biased retention element that is biased to a raisedposition and is configured to be moved to a lowered or compressedposition.

In some embodiments, the holding device comprises and envelope retainer.

In some embodiments, the envelope retainer comprises a retention channelconfigured to receive a side of an envelope therein.

In some embodiments, the envelope retainer is configured to pivotbetween a neutral position and an angled position.

In some embodiments, the holding device comprises a horizontal surface,a vertical surface, and an envelope retainer.

In some embodiments, the holding device is pivotally connected to thebody.

In some embodiments, the holding device is pivotally connected to thebody by a pivot device.

In some embodiments, the pivot device comprises a first half and asecond half.

In some embodiments, the first half comprises a body with one or moremagnetic members mounted therein and one or more limit channels formedtherein.

In some embodiments, the second half comprises a body with one or moremagnetic members mounted therein and one or more limit pins extendingtherefrom, the one or more limit pins being configured to extend intothe one or more limit channels.

In some embodiments, the conveyor system includes a second sledcomprising a body, one or more wheels mounted on the body and configuredto move through the one or more channels in the rail, and a holdingdevice connected to the body, the holding device being configured toengage a packaging container to move the packaging container along therail.

In some embodiments, the sled and the second sled are configured tocooperate to hold a packaging container between the holding device ofthe sled and the holding device of the second sled.

In some embodiments, the sled and the second sled are configured to movealong the rail a packaging container held between the holding device ofthe sled and the holding device of the second sled.

In some embodiments, the sled and the second sled are configured to moverelative to one another along the length of the rail.

In some embodiments, the sled and the second sled are configured to movetogether along the length of the rail.

In another example embodiment, a method of transporting a packagingcontainer includes positioning a packaging container between a firstsled and a second sled of a conveyor system, moving one or both of thefirst sled and the second sled towards the packaging container, securingthe packaging container between the first sled and the second sled, andmoving the first sled and the second sled along a rail of the conveyorsystem to transport the packaging container along the rail.

In some embodiments, moving one or both of the first sled and the secondsled towards the packaging container comprising moving the first sledand the second sled independent of one another.

In some embodiments, moving one or both of the first sled and the secondsled towards the packaging container comprising moving the first sledand the second sled in opposite directions.

In some embodiments, positioning the packaging container between thefirst sled and the second sled of the conveyor system comprisestransferring the packaging container to the conveyor system from anotherconveyor system.

In some embodiments, securing the packaging container between the firstsled and the second sled comprises supporting the packaging containerfrom underneath by at least one of the first sled and the second sled.

In some embodiments, securing the packaging container between the firstsled and the second sled comprises pressing the packaging container intoone or more retention elements of the first sled or the second sled.

In some embodiments, moving the first sled and the second sled along arail of the conveyor system to transport the packaging container alongthe rail comprises pivoting a holding device of at least one of thefirst sled and the second sled as the first sled and the second sled goaround a corner, bend, or curve in the rail.

In some embodiments, securing the packaging container between the firstsled and the second sled comprises positioning an envelope between anenvelope retainer on the first sled and an envelope retainer on thesecond sled.

In some embodiments, positioning the envelope between the enveloperetainer on the first sled and an envelope retainer on the second sledcomprises pivoting one or both of the envelope retainers towards theother envelope retainer.

In some embodiments, the method also includes releasing the packagingcontainer from between the first sled and the second sled.

In some embodiments, releasing the packaging container from between thefirst sled and the second sled comprises moving one or both of the firstsled and the second sled away from one another.

In another example embodiment, a computer system for high-speed andhigh-efficiency packaging of items is provided. The computer systemincludes one or more processors and one or more computer-readable mediahaving stored thereon executable instructions. When executed by the oneor more processors, the executable instructions are configured cause thecomputer system receive a particular packaging container on a particulardynamic transportation mechanism, wherein the particular dynamictransportation mechanism is configured to automatically physically sizeitself to carry the particular packaging container; associate, with theone or more processors, the particular packaging container with aparticular donor bin, wherein the particular donor bin contains at leastone of the one or more target products; generate a queue command that isconfigured to cause the particular dynamic transportation mechanism tophysically move itself into a queue of a set of dynamic transportationmechanisms; receive a request to package a second packaging containerwith a particular item, wherein the particular item is also associatedwith the particular donor bin; and generate a packing command. Thepacking command is configured to cause both: the particular dynamictransportation mechanism to physically move itself out of the queue andto a particular packing station where the particular donor bin islocated, and a second dynamic transportation mechanism associated withthe second packaging container to physically move itself to theparticular packing station.

In some embodiments, the packaging container comprises a packaging box.

In some embodiments, the packaging container comprises a packagingenvelope.

In some embodiments, the particular dynamic transportation mechanism isconfigured to hold both the packaging box and the packaging envelope.

In some embodiments, the particular donor bin contains multiples of asingle type of product.

In some embodiments, the particular dynamic transportation mechanismcomprises a first independently controlled sled and a secondindependently controlled sled that are configured to be adjustablecloser to each other or further apart from each other.

In some embodiments, the executable instructions include instructionsthat are executable to configure the computer system to generate aspacing command for the particular dynamic transportation mechanism, thespacing command configured to cause the first independently controlledsled and the second independently controlled sled to move a particulardistance away from each other, wherein the particular distance isdetermined based upon a width or length dimension of the particularpackaging container.

In some embodiments, the particular packaging container comprises apackaging envelope, and the particular distance is less than a width orlength of the packaging envelope.

In some embodiments, the particular dynamic transportation mechanismcomprises one or more tracks that the first independently controlledsled and the second independently controlled sled move within.

In another example embodiment, a computer-implemented method, executedon one or more processors using instructions stored in memory, forhigh-speed and high-efficiency packaging of items is provided. Thecomputer-implemented method includes: receiving a particular packagingcontainer on a particular dynamic transportation mechanism, wherein theparticular dynamic transportation mechanism is configured toautomatically physically size itself to carry the particular packagingcontainer; associating, with the one or more processors, the particularpackaging container with a particular donor bin, wherein the particulardonor bin contains at least one of the one or more target products;generating a queue command that is configured to cause the particulardynamic transportation mechanism to physically move itself into a queueof a set of dynamic transportation mechanisms; receiving a request topackage a second packaging container with a particular item, wherein theparticular item is also associated with the particular donor bin; andgenerating a packing command. The packing command is configured to causeboth: the particular dynamic transportation mechanism to physically moveitself out of the queue and to a particular packing station where theparticular donor bin is located, and a second dynamic transportationmechanism associated with the second packaging container to physicallymove itself to the particular packing station.

In some embodiments, the particular packaging container comprises apackaging box.

In some embodiments, the packaging container comprises a packagingenvelope.

In some embodiments, the particular dynamic transportation mechanism isconfigured to hold both the packaging box and the packaging envelope.

In some embodiments, the particular donor bin contains multiples of asingle type of product.

In some embodiments, the particular dynamic transportation mechanismcomprises a first independently controlled sled and a secondindependently controlled sled that are configured to be adjustablecloser to each other or further apart from each other.

In some embodiments, the method also includes generating a spacingcommand for the particular dynamic transportation mechanism, the spacingcommand configured to cause the first independently controlled sled andthe second independently controlled sled to move a particular distanceaway from each other, wherein the particular distance is determinedbased upon a width or length dimension of the particular packagingcontainer.

In some embodiments, the particular packaging container comprises apackaging envelope, and the particular distance is less than a width orlength of the packaging envelope.

In some embodiments, the particular dynamic transportation mechanismcomprises one or more tracks that the first independently controlledsled and the second independently controlled sled move within.

In some embodiments, the first independently controlled sled and thesecond independently controlled sled move within a single, common track.

In another example embodiment, a computer program product comprises oneor more physical computer storage media having stored thereoncomputer-executable instructions that, when executed at a processor,cause a computer system to perform a method for high-speed andhigh-efficiency packaging of items, the method comprising: receiving aparticular packaging container on a particular dynamic transportationmechanism, wherein the particular dynamic transportation mechanism isconfigured to automatically physically size itself to carry theparticular packaging container; associating, with the one or moreprocessors, the particular packaging container with a particular donorbin, wherein the particular donor bin contains at least one of the oneor more target products; generating a queue command that is configuredto cause the particular dynamic transportation mechanism to physicallymove itself into a queue of a set of dynamic transportation mechanisms;receiving a request to package a second packaging container with aparticular item, wherein the particular item is also associated with theparticular donor bin; and generating a packing command that isconfigured to cause both: the particular dynamic transportationmechanism to physically move itself out of the queue and to a particularpacking station where the particular donor bin is located, and a seconddynamic transportation mechanism associated with the second packagingcontainer to physically move itself to the particular packing station.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. Thus, thedescribed embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes that come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A conveyor system, comprising: a rail having oneor more channels therein; and first and second sleds operativelyassociated with the rail, the first and second sleds being configuredfor both independent and coordinated movement along the rail such thatthe first and second sleds can move closer together and further apartfrom one another and can move together along the rail, the first andsecond sleds being configured to cooperate to hold a packaging containertherebetween, and the first and second sleds being configured to movetogether along the rail with the packaging container held therebetweento move the packaging container along the rail, each of the first andsecond sleds comprising: a body; one or more wheels mounted on the bodyand configured to move through the one or more channels in the rail; anda holding device connected to the body, the holding device beingconfigured to engage a packaging container to move the packagingcontainer along the rail.
 2. The conveyor system of claim 1, wherein theholding device of at least one of the first and second sleds comprises ahorizontal surface configured to extend at least partially underneaththe packaging container and a vertical surface configured to engage avertical side of the packaging container.
 3. The conveyor system ofclaim 2, further comprising one or more retention elements associatedwith the vertical surface.
 4. The conveyor system of claim 3, whereinthe one or more retention elements comprise foam, rubber, foam rubber,leather, cotton, a spring or gravity biased retention element that isbiased to a raised position and is configured to be moved to a loweredor compressed position, or combinations thereof.
 5. The conveyor systemof claim 1, wherein the holding device comprises and envelope retainer,wherein the envelope retainer comprises a retention channel configuredto receive a side of an envelope therein, wherein the envelope retaineris configured to pivot between a neutral position and an angledposition.
 6. The conveyor system of claim 5, wherein the enveloperetainer is configured to hold an envelope (i) in a flat or closedconfiguration when the envelope retainer is pivoted to the neutralposition and (ii) in an open configuration when the envelope retainer ispivoted to the angled position.
 7. The conveyor system of claim 1,wherein the holding device is pivotally connected to the body by a pivotdevice.
 8. The conveyor system of claim 7, wherein the pivot devicecomprises a first half and a second half, wherein: the first halfcomprises a body with one or more magnetic members mounted therein andone or more limit channels formed therein; and the second half comprisesa body with one or more magnetic members mounted therein and one or morelimit pins extending therefrom, the one or more limit pins beingconfigured to extend into the one or more limit channels.
 9. A method oftransporting a packaging container, the method comprising: positioning apackaging container between a first sled and a second sled of a conveyorsystem; moving one or both of the first sled and the second sled towardsthe packaging container; securing the packaging container between thefirst sled and the second sled by applying a compressive force to thepackaging container by the first and second sleds; and moving the firstsled and the second sled along a rail of the conveyor system totransport the packaging container along the rail.
 10. The method ofclaim 9, wherein moving one or both of the first sled and the secondsled towards the packaging container comprises either: moving the firstsled and the second sled independent of one another or moving the firstsled and the second sled in opposite directions.
 11. The method of claim9, wherein positioning the packaging container between the first sledand the second sled of the conveyor system comprises transferring thepackaging container to the conveyor system from another conveyor system.12. The method of claim 9, wherein securing the packaging containerbetween the first sled and the second sled comprises: supporting thepackaging container from underneath by at least one of the first sledand the second sled; and/or pressing the packaging container into one ormore retention elements of the first sled or the second sled.
 13. Themethod of claim 9, wherein moving the first sled and the second sledalong a rail of the conveyor system to transport the packaging containeralong the rail comprises pivoting a holding device of at least one ofthe first sled and the second sled as the first sled and the second sledgo around a corner, bend, or curve in the rail.
 14. The method of claim9, wherein securing the packaging container between the first sled andthe second sled comprises positioning an envelope between an enveloperetainer on the first sled and an envelope retainer on the second sled,wherein positioning the envelope between the envelope retainer on thefirst sled and an envelope retainer on the second sled comprisespivoting one or both of the envelope retainers towards the otherenvelope retainer.
 15. A computer system for high-speed andhigh-efficiency packaging of items, comprising: one or more processors;and one or more computer-readable media having stored thereon executableinstructions that when executed by the one or more processors configurethe computer system to perform at least the following: receive aparticular packaging container on a particular dynamic transportationmechanism, wherein the particular dynamic transportation mechanism isconfigured to automatically physically size itself to carry theparticular packaging container; associate, with the one or moreprocessors, the particular packaging container with a particular donorbin, wherein the particular donor bin contains at least one of the oneor more target products; generate a queue command that is configured tocause the particular dynamic transportation mechanism to physically moveitself into a queue of a set of dynamic transportation mechanisms;receive a request to package a second packaging container with aparticular item, wherein the particular item is also associated with theparticular donor bin; and generate a packing command that is configuredto cause both: the particular dynamic transportation mechanism tophysically move itself out of the queue and to a particular packingstation where the particular donor bin is located, and a second dynamictransportation mechanism associated with the second packaging containerto physically move itself to the particular packing station.
 16. Thecomputer system of claim 15, wherein the packaging container comprises apackaging box or a packaging envelope.
 17. The computer system of claim16, wherein the particular dynamic transportation mechanism isconfigured to hold both the packaging box and the packaging envelope.18. The computer system of claim 15, wherein the particular dynamictransportation mechanism comprises a first independently controlled sledand a second independently controlled sled that are configured to beadjustable closer to each other or further apart from each other. 19.The computer system of claim 18, wherein the executable instructionsinclude instructions that are executable to configure the computersystem to generate a spacing command for the particular dynamictransportation mechanism, the spacing command configured to cause thefirst independently controlled sled and the second independentlycontrolled sled to move a particular distance away from each other,wherein the particular distance is determined based upon a width orlength dimension of the particular packaging container.
 20. A conveyorsystem, comprising: a rail having one or more channels therein; and asled operatively associated with the rail, the sled comprising: a body;one or more wheels mounted on the body and configured to move throughthe one or more channels in the rail; and a holding device connected tothe body, the holding device being configured to engage a packagingcontainer to move the packaging container along the rail, wherein theholding device comprises a horizontal surface configured to extend atleast partially underneath the packaging container and a verticalsurface configured to engage a vertical side of the packaging container,wherein the holding device is pivotally connected to the body by a pivotdevice, wherein the pivot device comprises a first half and a secondhalf, wherein: the first half comprises a body with one or more magneticmembers mounted therein and one or more limit channels formed therein;and the second half comprises a body with one or more magnetic membersmounted therein and one or more limit pins extending therefrom, the oneor more limit pins being configured to extend into the one or more limitchannels.